​Thousands of years ago, a yoga philosopher named Pantajali created a framework called the 8 Limbs of Yoga. These limbs are guidelines for us to understand the yoga lifestyle of union.

The 6th limb is called, Dharana, meaning to focus on one object, concept, or sound. We can practice this concept on or off our yoga mat. This concentration method is often used in sitting meditation practices as we focus on a sound of a singing bowl, repeat a mantra, gaze at the flicker of a candle, or color a mandala.

In the physical practice of yoga, we use this Dharana to focus on a drishti point in balancing poses. This point can be a blade of grass or a speck on the carpet. In poses like Warrior 2, we direct our gaze just over our middle finger.

When we encourage one particular activity of the mind, the more intense it becomes, and the more the other activities of the mind fall away. Typically, our mind is full of constant chatter with to-do lists, replay of emotional experiences, upset with past events, or anticipation of the future. When we can focus, we are bringing our attention to the present moment. This consciousness brings a sense of peace.​When we create an artwork, we must focus on the details of a person, object, concept, or landscape. Through line, shape, form, value, texture, and color we interact with rhythm, composition, proportion, variety and unity to present something that is important to us.​Many of my paintings are inspired from unique places that I’ve visited or explored both locally and abroad. Sometimes they are rendered realistically and sometime they are zoomed-in or even blurred to create a special effect.

When we hang an artwork on our wall, we are making a statement about what is important to us. Some of use choose a piece that has colors to match our furniture or wall paint. Color schemes play a vital role in setting the mood for art. Bright colors represent excited energy while neutral colors can be more calming.

​In Sunset Reflection and Foggy Beach, I demonstrate how the composition and colors can completely change the mood and message of a painting of a San Diego beach.

Sunset Reflection reminds us to be present in the moment. Time keeps moving, but when we stop to pause we can notice the beauty of natural wonders that last only for a moment, filling our heart with joy and gratitude. This painting by Hannah Faulkner catches the moment when the sun descends and the sky changes color. These colors reflect off of the water and wet sand into an exciting array of energy and texture.​In Foggy Beach, lavendar, nude, seafoam, burnt umber, and pearl...these neutral tones layer to create a calming affect. Through the practice of yoga, we often aim for a peaceful neutrality, being careful to not overreact. We try to let our consciousness lead us through each moment without letting the control of the ego take over our thoughts and actions.

When I slip on a pair of these artfully designed yoga leggings, I am reminded to focus on the message whether it be excited energy or peaceful contemplation. I am declaring what is important to me.

Would you like to have a pair of artfully designed yoga leggings to help you get into the mood of yoga?

Or, perhaps, you’d like to inspire a friend or loved one to get started with yoga and practice more regularly…

​As soon as you slip these on, you will be ready for stretching, strengthening, and balancing your body. This low rise, thick banded pants are soft and stretchy with lightweight and quick drying fabric. They are made from 90% Polyester and 10% Spandex, and the designs are imprinted using an advance heat sublimation technique.

Deepen your dharana practice as you bring your focus to the concept of each artwork.​If you’d like to learn more about Dharana, check out my online Yoga Video Course about Concentration in Prague. It’s filmed on location and includes a written and video discussion, alignment slides, and a one-hour yoga video to lead you through this physical yoga sequence.